Bridging the gap
Resources that accelerate the path from discovery to treatment
A brilliant insight is a great start, but it takes much more to bring a new diagnostic, therapy or device out into the world. “Key to this endeavor are interdisciplinary groups and an organized infrastructure of resources that brings these vital teams together and supports them as they move from preclinical studies to human trials and finally to real-world interventions that improve health,” said Ruth O’Hara, PhD, Stanford Medicine’s senior associate dean for research and the Lowell W. and Josephine Q. Berry Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
At Stanford Medicine, those resources include:
Spark
Spark brings together Stanford University researchers and experts from industry to help develop promising, early-stage academic discoveries into viable candidates for clinical or commercial development. The program addresses common barriers researchers face, including limited experience with drug development and gaps in available funding for applied research. Spark provides practical guidance through coursework, seminars and mentorship as well as technical expertise, access to shared facilities and seed funding to support selected translational projects.
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Innovative Medicines Accelerator
Stanford University’s Innovative Medicines Accelerator focuses on translating breakthroughs in understanding disease mechanisms into new drug therapies and cures. The accelerator includes a drug prototyping unit, a biobank that houses samples and data, and an off-site “freezer farm” to reduce the risk of sample destruction. This accelerator also includes a seed fund that supports promising research and facilitates the identification of therapeutic and diagnostic targets.
Catalyst
Stanford Medicine Catalyst helps turn later-stage discoveries — those with a working prototype or for which the basic science has been validated — into therapeutics or products including medical devices, software or systems innovations that could meaningfully impact patient care.
The program supports researchers with funding up to $1 million and hands-on assistance navigating the translation process, raising venture funding and working toward licensure and adoption of their discoveries in health care settings.
Stanford Biodesign
The Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign focuses on improving health and health equity through innovation, education, translation and policy. Since 2001, Stanford Biodesign has trained thousands of fellows, students and faculty in the biodesign innovation process, which emphasizes identifying and addressing unmet health needs. Trainees have used this approach to develop solutions in a wide range of areas, including biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, health services and digital health.
Spectrum
Spectrum, Stanford Medicine’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Education, offers guidance on study design, data management and research ethics. It also offers access to the Clinical and Translational Research Unit for conducting studies with human participants, as well as the Stanford Biobank for storing and sharing biological samples. Spectrum offers pilot grants and research training and connects researchers with community partners.
The National Institutes of Health-funded Clinical and Translational Science Award supports many of these efforts, including seed funding for SPARK and Stanford Biodesign; resources for storage of biosamples; and access to the Trial Innovation Network, a national platform for all CTSAs that enables investigators to execute multicenter clinical trials and helps accelerate translation of novel interventions into life-saving treatments.